7 Plants That Will Reward You in Spring

Primroses primrose flowers MNL//Getty Images

Pretty primroses bloom as early as February, brightening up still-dormant gardens with their colourful petals.

According to Julian, primroses should be deadheaded now to ensure a fresh flush of flowers in spring. Pinch or snip off spent flowers at the base of their stems, rather than simply removing petals.

Heather heather plant Jasenka Arbanas//Getty Images

These evergreen groundcovers provide colour from December to April, brightening up pots and borders when little else is blooming.

“Winter flowering heathers require careful trimming of spent heads just below the flowers, taking care to avoid cutting into old wood to ensure next season’s blooms,” says Julian.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

Hellebore hellebore flowers Clive Nichols//Getty Images

Hellebores are wonderful groundcover plants that bloom in winter, but also need attention this month.

“Make sure you snip off leathery seedheads and tired flowers to reveal the fresh buds developing beneath,” says Julian.

Winter pansies and violas viola and pansy flowers growing outside Photos from Japan, Asia and othe of the world//Getty Images

If you’re growing winter pansies and violas, be sure to give them a weekly snip: “Pinch off faded flowers to extend their display well into the coming weeks,” says Julian.

Pansies and violas are brilliant for beds, borders, hanging baskets, and more, offering a beautiful array of colour. The best time to plant yours is in September, giving roots the chance to establish before winter’s grip.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

Cyclamen and mahonia cyclamen flower Clive Nichols//Getty Images

Elsewhere, cyclamen and mahonia also benefit from a good deadhead in February.

“With cyclamen, gently tug yellow leaves and spent blooms away at the base rather than cutting them,” says Julian. “Mahonia benefits from trimming finished yellow flower clusters, which encourages attractive fresh growth.”

Headshot of Lisa Joyner Lisa Joyner

Deputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful

Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she’s busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.

Watch Next

heather plant

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below